Channel-shaped balancing device

ABSTRACT

A balancing device comprising an elongated downwardly open channel-shaped member, end walls closing the ends of the channel, and a rod extending longitudinally in the channel between the end walls. The channel is turnably mounted on the rod; and support legs adapted to engage the ground are rigidly attached to the rod. The arrangement is such that the turning movement of the channel-shaped support member is limited in either direction about the rod.

United States Patent [111 3,5 2,0 3

[72] Inventors Lennart Hallgren; [56] References Cited 0W3! Rikardson, D0"! of Halmstad, UNITED STATES PATENTS Sweden [2 App. No. 766,593 971,003 9/1910 Gilbnde l 272/60 1,407,642 2/1922 Day i. 272/71 [22] Filed Oct. 10,1968 3 485 492 l 969 k 7 {45] Paemed June 1, 1971 2/1 it anen 2 2/1 [73] Assignee Aktiebolagel Skrivrit Primary ExaminerRichard C. Pinkham Backvagen, Sollentuna, Sweden Assistant Examiner-Richard Dror Att0rneyLarson, Taylor and Hinds ABSTRACT: A balancing device comprising an elongated downwardly open channel-shaped member, end walls closing [54] i ggafi z g DEVICE the ends of the channel, and a rod extending longitudinally in g g the channel between the end walls. The channel is turnably [52] US. Cl v mounted on the rod; and support legs adapted to engage the [51] lnLCl A63b 23/04 ground are rigidly attached to the rod. The arrangement is [50] Field of Search 272/ l 60, such that the turning movement of the channel-shaped support member is limited in either direction about the rod.

PATENTEU'JUN Hen 3,582,068

Fly.

CHANNEL-SHAPED BALANCING DEVICE BACKGROUND This invention relates to gymnastic equipment; and in particular, it relates to a new and improved balancing device to be used by persons to enhance their ability to balance themselves.

A person desiring to enhance his ability to balance himself, will practice by balancing on a narrow elongated surface such as a beam, or the like. For example, one could employ a simple fixed beam mounted in an elevated position. However, a person wishing to further develop his ability to balance himself would practice on an elongated cylindrical member mounted for rotation about an axis. These known balancing members have generally taken the form of elongated bars journalcd at their ends in upright members which serve as stands to hold the bar a sufficient distance above the ground. Forexample, the bar may be held a distance of 3 feet above the ground and this makes it possible not only tostand on the bar but also to sit on the bar with the legs handing free while maintaining equilibrium.

While these known balancing devices have proved satisfactory, there exists a continuing need for new and improved balancing devices which are more sturdy and more economical to produce then balancing devices known heretofore.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Thus, it is a purpose of the present invention to provide a balancing device which is new and improved in comparison with balancing devices known heretofore.

According to the present invention, there is provided a balancing device in the form of a downwardly open elongated channel-shaped member, preferably of partial cylindrical shape. The means for rotatably mounting the channel member the proper distance above the floor, is then located generally within the space below the channel-shaped member and between the ends thereof. In this manner it is possible to provide a more compact, sturdy and economical balancing device.

This, it is an object of this invention to provide a new and improved balancing device.

It is another object of this invention to provide a balancing device having an elongated downwardly open channel-shaped support member.

It is another object of this invention to provide a new and improved balancing device comprising an elongated downwardly open channel-shaped support member wherein the means for mounting the support member for rotative movement are located in the space beneath the channelshaped member and between its ends.

Other-objects and the attendant advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description to follow together with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS There follows a detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention together with accompanying drawings. However, it is to be understood that this detailed description and the accompanying drawings are provided only for pur- DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the FIGS., wherein like numerals are employed to designate like elements throughout, there is shown a balance member which may be approximately 6 feet long and comprising a support member I in the form of a downwardly open channel, preferably of partial cylindrical shape. This support member I may be of any suitable material such as plywood, plastic, or the like. In any event the support member should be relatively thin and curved along a cylindrical path. A number of support arches 2 are provided beneath the support member I and hold the same in the cylindrical shape. These support arches 2 are in turn held by border members 3 which extend along the two edges of the support member from one end to the opposite end.

The ends of the partially cylindrical support member I are closed by suitable end walls 4. In one embodiment of the invention thc support arches, the edge borders and the end walls are all made of wood. On the internal surface of the end walls 4 there is provided a bearing member 5 having formed thereon a curved bearing surface 5'. An elongated rod 6 extends from one end of the balancing device to the other, supported at each end in a bearing member 5 and in particular in the curved bearing surfaces 5. Since the two ends of the balancing device are identical only one of the ends are shown in detail in FIGS. 3 and 4.

For supporting the balancing device above the ground there are provided suitable legs 7 rigidly attached to the elongated rod 6.

Thus, the elements I through 4 form a unit which is turnable about an axis through the elongated rod 6. In practice, one would then stand on the upper surface of the support member I and attempt to remain standing without permitting the sup: port member to turn in one direction or the other. In the embodiment as shown in the drawings, the turning movement of the support member I. would be limited by engagement of the edge members 3 with the ground. However, in an alternative embodiment laterally extending protrusions 8 (shown in dotted lines in FIG. 4) may be provided on the legs such that the turning movement of the support member 1 is limited by engagement of the border members 3 with the protrusions 8 rather than with the ground.

Thus, it can be seen that the entire balancing device is compact and thus easily transportable. In use it is simply placed on the ground after which the person using the same walks on the upper surface of the support member on the highest part thereof, attempting to remain directly over the rod 6. If the persons center of gravity shifts from above the rod 6, the support rod willimmediately be caused to turn to that side, the turning movement being continued until limited by engagement of the border members 3 with either the ground or with the protrusions 8, as the case may be. Because of the simplified construction of the bearing members, the support member turns rather easily and considerable effort is necessary in order to walk along the entire length of the support member 1 without its turning. Therefore, notwithstanding the simplicity of'the device, it is extremely efficient in developing an ability to balance.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention the support member is partially cylindrical and extends for approximately the radius of the cylinder being equal to the height of the highest part of the support member 1 above the ground. Of course other channel shapes are also possible.

Although a preferred embodiment of the invention has been described herein, it is to be understood that the invention is capable of numerous modifications and variations apparent tothose skilled in the art. For example, the shape and height of the legs 7 can be varied and the construction, location and.

number of bearing means may be varied. The single rod may be replaced by a plurality of relatively short elongated rods each supported by legs and in operative engagement with the bearings; which may be located not only at the end of the channel-shaped support member, but also intermediate the said ends on intermediate plates connected to the support arches 2 (not shown).

lelaim:

l. A balancing device comprising an elongated support member shaped as an inverted, downwardly open channel, opposed end walls mounted on the ends of the channel, each end wall including bearing means, rod means located in the inverted channel and operatively engaged in the said bearing means, support legs rigidly connected to the rod means and adapted to engage the ground, said support member being supported above the ground by means of the engagement of its end wall bearing means with said rod means, said support member being turnable about said rod means, and means for limiting the turning movement of the support member in either direction about said rod means.

2. A balancing device according to claim 1 wherein the upper outer surface of said channel-shaped support member is generally cylindrical, the circumferential extent of said cylinder being approximately l.

means for limiting movement comprises the height of the in side of the inverted shaped channel portion being sufficiently large so that the support member can turn about said rod and clear the legs and the travel of the support member being limited by its engagement with the ground.

6. A balancing device according to claim 3 wherein said means for limiting movement comprises laterally extending protrusions on the legs for limiting the turning movement of the support member about the rod.

7. A balancing device comprising an elongated support member shaped as an inverted, downwardly open channel, downwardly extending walls rigidly attached to the support member, at least some of the walls including bearing means, rod means located in the inverted channel and operatively engaged in the said bearing means, support legs rigidly connected to the rod means and adapted to engage the ground, said support member being supported above the ground by means of the engagement of its wall bearing means with said rod means said support member being turnable about said rod means, and means for limiting the turning movement of the support member in either direction about said rod means.

8. A balancing device according to claim 7 wherein the upper, outer surface of said channe|shaped support member is generally cylindrical, the circumferential extent of said cylinder being approximately I20.

9. A balancing device according to claim 8 wherein said legs are of such a height that when the legs are placed on the ground the height of the support member above the ground is substantially equal to the radius of said cylinder. 

1. A balancing device comprising an elongated support member shaped as an inverted, downwardly open channel, opposed end walls mounted on the ends of the channel, each end wall including bearing means, rod means located in the inverted channel and operatively engaged in the said bearing means, support legs rigidly connected to the rod means and adapted to engage the ground, said support member being supported above the ground by means of the engagement of its end wall bearing means with said rod means, said support member being turnable about said rod means, and means for limiting the turning movement of the support member in either direction about said rod means.
 2. A balancing device according to claim 1 wherein the upper outer surface of said channel-shaped support member is generally cylindrical, the circumferential extent of said cylinder being approximately 120*.
 3. A balancing device according to claim 2 wherein said legs are of such a height that when the legs are placed on the ground the height of the support member above the ground is substantially equal to the radius of said cylinder.
 4. A balancing device according to claim 3 wherein said rod means comprises an elongated rod extending longitudinally within the channel and engaging one of said bearing means at each of its ends.
 5. A balancing device according to claim 3 wherein said means for limiting movement comprises the height of the inside of the inverted shaped channel portion being sufficiently large so that the support member can turn about said rod and clear the legs and the travel of the support member being limited by its engagement with the ground.
 6. A balancing device according to claim 3 wherein said means for limiting movement comprises laterally extending protrusions on the legs for limiting the turning movement of the support member about the rod.
 7. A balancing device comprising an elongated support member shaped as an inverted, downwardly open channel, downwardly extending walls rigidly attached to the support member, at least some of the walls including bearing means, rod means located in the inverted channel and operatively engaged in the said bearing means, support legs rigidly connected to the rod means and adapted to engage the ground, said support member being supported above the ground by means of the engagement of its wall bearing means with said rod means said support member being turnable about said rod means, and means for limiting the turning movement of the support member in either direction about said rod means.
 8. A balancing device according to claim 7 wherein the upper, outer surface of said channel-shaped support member is generally cylindrical, the circumferential extent of said cylinder being approximately 120*.
 9. A balancing device according to claim 8 wherein said legs are of such a height that when the legs are placed on the ground the height of the support member above the ground is substantially equal to the radius of said cylinder. 